London, April 15, 2025

Photo: roarch.org.uk

The Romanian Orthodox community of London enjoyed a double celebration this weekend, with the great feast of Palm Sunday and the first Divine Liturgy in its new archdiocesan cathedral.

The service at the St. George Cathedral was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph of Western and Southern Europe and numerous local and visiting clergy, reports the Romanian Archdiocese of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

This marked the opening of the church following extensive restoration works after the acquisition of the new place of worship.

Photo: roarch.org.uk

In his sermon, the Metropolitan reflected on Palm Sunday’s profound spiritual significance, urging worshippers to welcome Christ into their hearts as the bringer of illumination and peace. This celebration embodies joy, inviting everyone to present before the Lord the virtuous actions accumulated throughout the Lenten season—mirroring how the crowd once extended palm fronds to greet Christ’s triumphant arrival in Jerusalem.

The new cathedral was acquired in 2023, thanks to contributions from the local community and the Romanian state.

“The new Cathedral is home to a vibrant and active community that, in addition to liturgical services, carries out various catechetical, educational, cultural, and social activities—contributing to the preservation of the identity and unity of Romanians in London and throughout the United Kingdom.”

New Romanian parish established in EnglandHis Grace Bishop Atanasie of Bogdania, vicar of the Romanian Diocese of Italy, celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the community, named in honor of the Myrrh-bearing Women, on the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women in Aylesbury, near Oxford.

“>Last May, OrthoChristian reported on the opening of a new Romanian Orthodox parish in Aylesbury, England, and in Romanian parish in England acquires 19th-century church“Through this acquisition, St. Calinic of Cernica Parish affirms its mission to preserve and transmit the Orthodox faith, providing the Romanians in Southampton with a place for prayer, fellowship, and spiritual continuity,” the Archdiocese writes.”>March of this year, another parish acquired a 19th-century church as its new home.